If you thought 2025 was a circus, buckle up. The latest news in mma has basically turned into a high-stakes political thriller, and honestly, it’s kinda wild to watch. We’re currently looking at a landscape where the UFC isn’t just fighting for ratings; they’re fighting for a spot on the lawn of the most famous house in the world.
Dana White has been teasing this "White House card" for months, and while some people thought it was just typical promoter bluster, the pieces are actually falling into place. But with great ambition comes a lot of chaos. Injuries, contract disputes, and some very public beef between champions are threatening to derail the biggest year in the sport's history.
The Harrison Injury and the UFC 324 Shakeup
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. Kayla Harrison is out.
It’s a massive blow for the UFC’s first big card of 2026. She was supposed to face the legendary Amanda Nunes in what many considered a "passing of the torch" moment—or a "lioness reclamation," depending on who you ask. Reports confirmed on January 15 that Harrison had to go under the knife for herniated discs in her neck. Surgery in New York isn’t how anyone wanted to start their title reign.
Because of this, she’s sidelined for at least six months.
The UFC 324 co-main event is now Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong. Is it a good fight? Absolutely. O’Malley is a human highlight reel and Yadong is a certified savage. But it’s not the Nunes-Harrison mega-fight we were promised. Nunes, being the "Lioness," didn't want to just take anyone on short notice. Rumors were flying that Cris Cyborg was posting training photos in a "rematch" t-shirt, and even boxer Amanda Serrano threw her name in the hat. For now, the UFC is playing it safe and pushing the Nunes return back.
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Conor McGregor’s $7.7 Billion Contract War
You can't talk about the latest news in mma without the Irishman sucking all the oxygen out of the room. Conor McGregor is back on his soapbox, but this time it isn't about whiskey or yachts. It’s about the money. Specifically, Paramount’s $7.7 billion broadcast deal with the UFC.
Conor basically went on a livestream recently and declared his current contract "void." Why? Because his deal was heavily weighted on pay-per-view (PPV) points. With the move to Paramount+, the traditional PPV model is shifting. McGregor’s argument is simple: "I'm the highest-generating PPV fighter of all time, and if there's no more PPV, I'm due a massive raise."
- Negotiations are set for February.
- McGregor hasn't fought since July 2021.
- Two fights remain on his current (allegedly void) deal.
Dana White already shut down the Michael Chandler matchup for the June White House card, which has to sting for Chandler. The guy has been waiting in the wings like a loyal puppy for years. Now, the names being floated for Conor's return include Jorge Masvidal and, of course, the Nate Diaz trilogy. Masvidal has been teasing "very big" news, and honestly, a "Baddest Motherf***er" vs. "The Mac" fight at the White House would be peak 2026.
The Heavyweight King vs. The Brazilian Giant
Jon Jones is still Jon Jones. Just when you think he’s going to retire and ride off into the sunset with his GOAT status, he finds a reason to stay. That reason is Alex Pereira.
"Poatan" has been on a tear. After knocking out Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 to reclaim his light heavyweight belt, he immediately started eyeing the heavyweight throne. He even posted a video from a tire shop in Brazil, marking a tire with "Next Jones UFC."
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Jones responded on Instagram with a chilling warning: "I've beat a lot of legends from your country, my friend."
While fans are screaming for Jones to fight Tom Aspinall—the interim champ who has been waiting forever—Jones seems much more interested in the Pereira "super fight." It’s a legacy play. If Jones beats the man who conquered two divisions in record time, it shuts down a lot of the critics. But let's be real: Aspinall is the most dangerous test. Seeing how the UFC navigates this "three-way dance" for the heavyweight title is going to be the dominant storyline of the spring.
Islam Makhachev’s New Rule
Islam Makhachev is tired of the lightweight division. He’s the welterweight champ now after beating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, and he’s made it very clear he isn't going back down.
There’s been a lot of talk about a super fight with Ilia Topuria. Topuria is the current lightweight champ and a former featherweight king, making him the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter right behind Islam. It’s the biggest fight the UFC can make right now.
But Islam has a condition.
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He told Match TV that he has no interest in dropping weight. "I already ruled the lightweight division. Nobody defeated me there," he said. If Topuria wants the smoke, he has to move up to 170. It’s a bold move, but when you’re the P4P king, you get to set the terms. Meanwhile, the UFC offered Islam a fight in January (likely against Michael Morales), but he turned it down to recover from his camp. Expect to see him back after Ramadan—likely in the June to August window.
PFL and the "Road to Dubai"
While the UFC is dealing with contract wars and neck surgeries, the PFL is quietly expanding its global footprint. They just announced a massive 24-event schedule for 2026.
They’re hitting Madrid in March, which is a huge move considering how much MMA has exploded in Spain thanks to Topuria. But the one to watch is PFL Pittsburgh on March 28. It’s headlined by Johnny Eblen vs. Bryan Battle. Battle was one of the most sought-after free agents, and putting him against a dominant force like Eblen right out of the gate is a gutsy move.
What You Should Keep an Eye On
If you’re trying to keep up with all of this, don’t get bogged down in the rumors. Focus on the dates. February is going to be the "Contract Month." If McGregor and the UFC don’t come to terms then, we might not see him until 2027—if ever.
Keep an eye on the winners of the UFC 324 interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Whoever wins that is basically the mandatory challenger for Topuria. If Pimblett wins, the trash talk leading into a Topuria fight will probably break the internet.
Actionable Insights for MMA Fans:
- Watch the February Contract News: This will determine if the White House card actually happens with its biggest stars.
- Track Kayla Harrison’s Recovery: Her return timeline will dictate the future of the women’s bantamweight division and Nunes' next move.
- Follow PFL’s Global Expansion: If you're tired of the UFC's drama, the PFL’s tournament format and "Road to Dubai" series are offering a more "sport-centric" alternative.
- Monitor the P4P Rankings: The gap between Makhachev and Topuria is razor-thin; their next respective fights will decide who enters the summer as the "Best in the World."
The sport is moving faster than a Shavkat Rakhmonov submission. Don’t blink, because the latest news in mma suggests that the landscape we see today will look completely different by the time the summer heat hits.